I’m peaking outside the window at the Bear Towne Java, formerly known as Port City Java. The sun is finally out and it is a Friday morning in the historic town of New Bern.

What’s not to be peppy about?

We have two prep football teams that are one win away from the state championship game. Basketball and wrestling season is getting underway and the holidays are upon us.

Oh yes, the holidays. It sneaks up on you, like a pouncing cheetah (it may be Chesteror it may not be).

It’s my favorite time of the year.

We have football, basketball and plenty of reasons to be thankful, and opportunities to give back to the community.

Remember, things can always be worse.

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. (I know, I can’t believe it either).

What are you thankful for?

No matter how challenging things may seem at times, I am blessed and fortunate to be thankful for a lot.

1. I am thankful to live in the beautiful town of New Bern, with the ocean just 45 minutes down the road. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my four years in North Carolina.

2. I’m grateful I’ve met so many great people, coaches and student-athletes in this vibrant area.

3. I’m thankful to have been introduced to an awesome, intelligent and talented girl, who makes every day exciting for me.

4. I’m blessed to have an amazing and supportive family. Although they all live in Ohio, I know they are there for me.

5. I’m thankful to have a job that I enjoy, as the sports editor of the New Bern Sun Journal. I continue to think of more ideas that will be of interest to the consumers.

6. I’m thankful for the opportunity to cover so many talented athletes. Every year, there are several athletes in the area that sign to play college athletics. On Friday, West Craven basketball standout Josh Cuthbertson signed to play at USC-Upstate. On Thursday, Havelock’s Kendal Vickers committed to play football at South Carolinaand A.J. Coplon agreed to play at East Carolina.

7. The athletic teams are incredible in our coverage area. I’ve seen the Pamlico basketball squad play in the state championship game. I’ve been here to watch New Bernand Havelockwin a state football title, and West Craven compete in the state championship game.

8. I’m thankful for our military, each and every branch, for protecting our great nation. Living near a few military bases, and meeting some Wounded Warriors in April, I have the utmost respect for what they do for us. So, thank you.

9. I’m thankful for the right to vote, and a nation that allows the people to express their opinions.

10. I am grateful for all the friends I have and met, from high school to college to the ones I’ve gotten to know in New Bernand Culpeper, Va.

11. Finally, I’m thankful for the readers of the Sun Journal. I have plenty of exciting ideas that will improve the quality of the sports section. Thanks for reading our newspaper.

Now it’s your turn. I hope everyone can take a moment and express what you are thankful for.